The Legend of Korra: "Rebirth of a Nation" Review

Turning over a new leaf.

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June 27, 2014

Looking for our reviews of the first and third episodes of The Legend of Korra's three-part Book Three premiere event? Click here for our review of "A Breath of Fresh Air," and click here for our review of "The Earth Queen."

Warning: Full spoilers from the episode to follow.

"Did someone order a fully equipped Future Industries airship?"

With new airbenders cropping up all over the world, it was time for Korra, Tenzin and the rest of group to take flight. And what better way to travel than in a big, comfy airship? (Sorry, Oogi.) Yes, after exhausting all options in Republic City, Korra was off to the Earth Kingdom to bring the Air Nation back from the brink of extinction. The only problem? Not all airbenders want to live on Air Temple Island (even if your best friend is a giant bison). That became abundantly clear as Tenzin went door to door, enticing prospects with a vegetarian diet, ancient robes, and tattoos all over their bodies -- "just like me!" Not surprisingly, this strategy didn't go over too well.

Korra's efforts weren't much better, as she paid a personal visit to the apathetic Ryu (voiced by Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder, and modeled after The Legend of Korra director Ki Hyun Ryu). While this scene may have run a bit too long, it did hammer home Korra and Tenzin's utter lack of recruitment skills. Clearly, joining the Air Nomads was going to take a little more incentive.

Cue Bolin's "traveling circus" routine, which had the group showing off their awesome airbending skills in front of a live audience. From shirtless Tenzin on an air wheel to Jinora flying on her glider staff, all the demonstrations were pretty great, especially with Bolin narrating them. ("With the power of airbending, even this beast can float! Like a feather!") But I think my favorite part was Mako posing as an escaped convict and Korra sweeping him off his feet into one of her mini-tornados. ("This is not what we rehearsed!")

"We got our first recruit!"

As luck would have it, the group's presentation actually worked, and a young orphan named Kai (Skyler Brigmann) introduced himself as one of the new airbenders. However, Kai's ulterior motives soon came to light, as a local police squad arrived on the scene. Not only had Kai run away from home, but he had also stolen his foster parents' live savings. (That is to say, this kid means trouble.) But while Kai was able to appeal to Korra and the others, Mako wasn't so sure. He even told Kai that he'd be keeping and eye on him because he'd "been there before" himself (a clever nod to Mako's past as a former street rat). It'll be interesting to see how Kai fits in with the rest of the group, but I'm already intrigued by Jinora's little crush on him (which I'm sure Tenzin will be "thrilled" to hear about).

Meanwhile, the escaped Zaheer was on a recruitment mission of his own, hellbent on freeing his criminal companions. The first was an earthbender named Ghazan (Peter Giles), who was being held captive at sea, far away from any land. His escape was very Magneto-esque in that he only used three small rocks to free himself and immobilize the White Lotus guards. Next was the waterbender Ming-Hua (Grey DeLisle Griffin, who also voiced Azula in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Like Ghazan, she was detained in a prison surrounded by her own opposite element: fire. And you know what that means...

Boss.

The one and only Lord Zuko (now voiced by X-Men's Bruce Davison) was on the case, accompanied by a freaking dragon (which, by the way, bears a striking resemblance to Ran and Shaw, the two Sun Warrior dragons from the original series). What's more, Zuko already knew where the criminals were heading next: the Northen Water Tribe. (In other words, get ready for Sparky Sparky Boom Woman.)

The Verdict

The Legend of Korra: Book Three's second episode went full-on Team Avatar, as Korra, Tenzin and the others journeyed across the Earth Kingdom in search of airbenders. Balancing between the group's amusing hijinks and Zaheer's prison breakouts, "Rebirth of a Nation" progressed the story forward, while also introducing several new characters -- and one notable old timer: Lord Zuko.

Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.